The deployment of heavily armed soldiers at Serene Hotel in Kampala’s upscale suburb, Mutundwe has left residents questioning the motive.
The residents have learnt that at the end of last year, Serene Suites staff were shocked when they were summarily dismissed, paid off and told to go practice elsewhere. Many in the disbanded lot imagined the hotel had been acquired by a new investor who would in time call for recruitment.
To the shock of many, the hotel complex was the next day cordoned off by mean looking security operatives who have since turned it into a barracks of sorts.
A staff who preferred not to be named for fear of security said the place is now heavily guarded by military commandos and only a select team of high ranking army generals is allowed onto the former hotel premises
“After we were fired, we expected a new investor who we imagined would refursbish the hotel, call for interviews and we would apply. We were shocked when the complex was turned into a military facility. We don’t know what happens in there but the place is heavily guarded” he said.
Serene Suites is a high-end multi storied facility nestled atop Mutundwe Hill.
It is rumored that the facility belongs to UPDF General Salim Saleh, a brother to the President.
Other reports indicate it is owned by city business woman Esther Akampa.
But a source who again asked not be mentioned said, since 2010, Gen Saleh had been using the facility to hold high profile meetings.
“I think now he has decided to fully take it over,” a source said.
The operation conducted in the hotel is yet to be known, neither has the army come out to explain its occupancy of the premises.
Military publicist Brig. Richard Karemire when contacted said, “I will find out and get back to you.”
We were unable to talk to Gen. Saleh as all his known phone numbers couldn’t be reached.
The residents who also wished to be unnamed said the military presence has curtailed their free movements.
“You know the soldiers are not jokers. You wouldn’t wish to meet any like at night,” said a resident.